Water-type Pokémon have always been a staple in any trainer’s lineup, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A is no exception. With a variety of powerful moves and diverse Pokémon available, knowing which Water-type moves are most effective can make a huge difference in both PvE and PvP battles. In this guide, we’ll break down the top movesets and provide insight into which moves are worth investing in.
S-Tier Water-Type Moves
Hydro Pump – The classic powerhouse. Hydro Pump deals massive damage and has excellent coverage against Fire and Ground-types. While its accuracy can sometimes be a drawback, it remains a must-have for heavy hitters.
Scald – Scald not only deals reliable damage but also comes with a 30% chance to burn the opponent. This makes it incredibly valuable against physical attackers and can turn the tide of longer battles.
Liquidation – Perfect for Water-types with strong attack stats, Liquidation hits hard and has a chance to lower the target’s Defense. Its combination of raw damage and debuff potential places it firmly in S-tier.
A-Tier Water-Type Moves
Surf – Surf remains a solid all-around option, especially for Pokémon with balanced stats. Its consistent damage and area-of-effect utility in certain scenarios keep it relevant, even if it doesn’t match the raw power of Hydro Pump.
Aqua Tail – A reliable choice for physically inclined Water-types. While slightly weaker than Liquidation, it benefits from a decent critical hit rate and a straightforward implementation in most movesets.
Brine – Brine is situational but excellent for finishing off weakened opponents. Its damage doubles if the target’s HP is below 50%, making it a strategic tool in competitive battles.
B-Tier Water-Type Moves
Water Pulse – While not the most powerful, Water Pulse can confuse opponents, which adds utility. Its lower damage output keeps it from being higher on the tier list, but it has niche value in certain strategies.
Aqua Ring – Primarily a support move, Aqua Ring heals the user each turn. It’s useful for tanky Water-types but lacks offensive presence, relegating it to B-tier.
Dive – Dive requires a turn to submerge, making it slightly clunky in fast-paced battles. It’s reliable but not top-tier due to the delayed execution.
Tips for Crafting Your Water-Type Team
Balance Physical and Special Attackers – Water-types often excel in one stat or the other. Mixing attackers with strong moves like Hydro Pump and Liquidation can prevent your team from being predictable.
Watch for Coverage – Moves like Scald provide additional utility beyond raw damage. Consider incorporating moves that can handle common counters like Grass-types or Electric-types.
Experiment in PvP – Some moves perform differently in PvP than in PvE. For example, Liquidation’s Defense-lowering effect can be devastating against tanky builds.
Additional Advice
If you’re looking to enhance your roster, there are opportunities in-game to buy Shiny Pokemon ZA, which can add both flair and competitive advantage. Similarly, checking for Legends ZA items for sale can help you fully equip your Water-types with optimal gear and TMs, giving you the edge in challenging battles.
This tier list should help you prioritize moves for your Water-type Pokémon and make informed choices when building your team. Whether you’re aiming for competitive PvP or tackling tough story battles, understanding move utility is key to mastering Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
